Hot on Her Heels

Mallery tacks a sweet fourth story onto the Lone Star Sisters trilogy (Under Her Skin , etc.). Tough-as-nails deputy Dana Birch swears to protect the three Titan sisters at any cost. Wealthy businessman Garth Duncan, the Titans' half-brother, despises their father. When Dana and Garth join forces to destroy a man evil enough to harm his own daughters, unexpected passion builds between them. Dana is a nuanced character with a painful past, not scared of bullets but afraid of love and letting go, while Garth is an alluring leading man burdened with his own sad memories. When they spar, it's a refreshing battle between two equal and fast-thinking minds. Despite some unanswered questions, this glimpse into glitzy Texas high society and the dark underbelly of business is a thoroughly enjoyable read. (Nov.)